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There are quite a few exciting and appealing new Milwaukee tools for coming out in late 2014, including a new M18 full-size circular saw and an M12 circular saw. There are plenty of jaw-dropping developments, but two new right angle impact tools – a 3/8″ impact wrench and a 1/4″ hex impact driver – caught me especially by surprise. These new tools look like they will be VERY popular with their target audiences.

The new right angle impacts are designed with low profile heads that help them fit into the tightest and narrowest of workspaces. In addition to being able to fit into spaces other tools could only dream about, both tools have 2 speed and torque modes thanks to their Drive Control feature.

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The new 3/8″ impact wrench, shown above, has a 3/8″ anvil with friction ring, a long paddle switch that allows for multiple grip options, and weighs just under 4 with an XC battery pack.

And… you can rotate the drive head completely around. This enables the right angle impact wrench to fit into spaces no other power tool could possibly access, at least none that we’ve ever seen.

Specs

Mode 1: 30 ft-lbs max torque, 0-1500 RPM, 0-2400 IPM

Mode 2: 60 ft-lbs max torque, 0-2250 RPM, 0-2400 IPM

There will also be new right angle impact driver, model 2667-20, that appears identical to the right angle impact wrench, except it has a 1/4″ quick-change chuck instead of a square drive.

More information about the impact driver is to come, but we couldn’t wait to share the news and some thoughts about the impact wrench.

The new right angle impact wrench will be available as a bare-tool (2668-20), as part of a single compact battery kit (2668-21CT), and as part of a double high capacity batter kit (2668-22).

First Thoughts

Right now we’re seeing conflicting information about how short the impact wrench head really is, as Milwaukee’s data sheets say 1.4″ and 1.7″. Assuming that the higher number is accurate, that’s still ridiculously compact.

Max torque is 30 ft-lbs in mode 1, and 60 ft-lbs in mode 2. That’s 360 and 720 in-lbs respectively, which seems reasonable. It’s typically unavoidable for right angle drills and impact tools to trade power for accessibility. The maximum torque rating is a little lower than I would have expected, but I suppose that’s the price to pay for the super-short drive head.

There’s a lot to like about the new right angle impact wrench, and we have no reason to think the also pending right angle impact driver will be any less appealing.

We like that Milwaukee built the new wrench with a large paddle switch, 2 speed and torque settings, and low-profile drive head, but the ability to rotate the drive head in order to fit the tool into the tightest of spaces raises the right angle impact into wow, that is totally awesome territory.

We also like that there is a compact battery option in addition to the bare tool and 2x XC battery kit. This should give non-M18 users an easy and more affordable way to get started with the M18 lineup and this seemingly excellent right angle impact wrench.

Milwaukee isn’t the only company working on right angle impact wrenches. The new Ingersoll Rand W5330 right angle 3/8″ impact wrench ($350-380 via Amazon) is a mighty fine tool itself, and looks to be the Milwaukee’s 2668’s strongest competitor.

This looks great so far. I’m very disappointed in their right angle drill/driver – with its single speed and minimal torque – so it will be nice to have a higher torque, tight quarters tool with no kickback.

Just showed this to a few friend’s working as tech’s for dealers, ford and nissan and none of them said they would shell out the cash for this… Torque is to low and just never run into many situations where they would see a true benefit buying this

This is almost identical to my makita 3/8 angle impact I’ve had for about 6 years. In fact the head looks exactly the same. And that one can swivel too. It’s the most important tool I own. The torque is low but it beats extremely fast.

If it was a fuel with more torque I’d buy it hands down. And if the ratchet head i ordered for my makita fits I’ll buy it for that.

For anything 500 inch-lbs or less I like the spec-tools HD-105: https://spectools.com/shop/heavy-duty-offset-driver-model-hd-105/
It’s the HD version of the right angle Milwaukee branded driver Home Depot sells. Been using this one for a year now since burning up the gears in the $20 model. Still going strong and the envy of everyone who tries it out.
More useful than a right angle impact (IMO) and less “might need this one day” bulk in your toolbox
T

I’ve had Makita’s LXT 18volt 1/4″ QR version of this for years and it’s invaluable for HVAC work, framing work for blocking and I use it alot for general purpose car and motorcycle work. Not so much for breaking loose or torquing fasteners as much as lighter use.

No where near the torque of a standard impact driver, but still every bit and handy and it’s a must have if you’ve got the platform.

The Makita LXT right angle drill is very impressive and has a very tiny head. You can use that to drill 1″ holes in joists all day long – very powerful for such a small tool.

I looked on Milwaukee’s site and don’t see any torque specs listed. Maybe the wrong specs were put in and removed? Not only that but when you pull up the 3/8 sq version it says 1/4 hex in specs. I think something is just messed up. I can’t see this only doing 30 ft lbs.

There’s a glitch on their site. Someone mistyped the model number for the driver, and so the same page comes up for both the wrench and driver. The other day the wrench came up for both, now the driver comes up for both. Should be fixed soon.

For something with that huge a battery pack and base, the torque is too low. Why go for a large, cumbersome tool with low power when I could just save for an extra week or two and get an IR Hammerhead? Clearance issues aside, I’d rather have pneumatic for this particular tool, unless the torque goes up.

Looks like a great tool. However, will it break loose most bolts? It does not appear that it has the capability to operate as a ratchet to allow the user to break loose then remove nuts and bolts. I’m sure this will come up in the reviews after this hits the shelves.